Industry Buzz Aug 10, 2008
He finally quit using aliases and "fronts" for his screenplays after producer-star Kirk Douglas insisted that Trumbo receive proper credit for writing "Spartacus," which won four Oscars in 1961. Askin says, "For Trumbo, it was all about being loyal as a friend. He would have been happy to take you around the corner to a bar for a drink and tell you, 'Yeah, I joined the Communist Party, not once but twice.' But to be forced to say that? And worse, to be asked what his friends' politics were?... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Best bets for the week Aug 1, 2008
SUNDAY: He is Spartacus, and we are so there. "I am Spartacus!" The film may be littered with historical inaccuracies, but Spartacus is a classic for a reason: those short Roman tunics Kirk Douglas wore ... You can see Spartacus at the Florida Theatre's Summer Movie Classics series at 2 p.m. Sunday. (Florida Times-Union)
AFI Names Top Ten Epic Films of All... Jul 28, 2008
The top ten list includes Lawrence of Arabia, Ben Hur, Schindler's List, Gone With the Wind, Spartacus, Titanic, All Quiet on the Western Front, Saving Private Ryan, Reds and The Ten Commandments ... Spartacus is a slave who is purchased and trained to become a gladiator. (Suite101.com)
Ottawa baritone brings Mozart to megaplex Jul 26, 2008
"The Mozart opera is the first screening of the summer-fall series of 11 opera and ballet performances recorded at the London venue and European and North American houses. The series will continue through December.Following Figaro, other productions in the screening series are:Aug. 9: The Bolshoi Ballet's Spartacus in a Paris performance from early this year.Aug. 16-17: A 2003 Barcelona production of Verdi's Aida.Sept. 13: A Paris Opra Ballet 2007 performance of Cinderella, adapted by Nureyev... (Ottawa Citizen)
More Actors Who Never Won an Oscar Jul 14, 2008
He also gave fine performances as the get-a-story-at-any-cost reporter in Ace in the Hole (1951); the troubled police officer in Detective Story (1951); and as the rebel Roman slave in Spartacus (1960) to name only a few more in his long career. Douglas was given an Honorary Award in 1990 for 50 years as a creative and moral force in the motion picture community. (Suite101.com)
Osibisa readies for final romp Jul 13, 2008
Also present were Spartacus R, Bailey, Richardson and Teddy Osei ... Started in London in 1969, the original Osibisa set comprised Teddy Osei (from Ghana): tenor sax, flute, percussion and vocals, Sol Amarfio (from Ghana): drums, Mac Tontoh (from Ghana): trumpet, flugel horn and Kabasa, Spartacus R (from Grenada) and bass guitar and assorted percussion, Wendell Richardson (from Antigua) ... Spartacus R was the first to quit after the release of the Heads album in September 1972. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
The ultimate family DVD list Jul 13, 2008
How the legendary screenwriter of "Roman Holiday" and "Spartacus" defied Congress, broke the blacklist and raised his family. Thursday, Jun 26, 2008 21:28 EDT. (Salon)
151 comments Jul 7, 2008
Spartacus, 19 Blue States of Socialism CCCPJul 04, 2008 @ 06:20 AMThis is the defining issue of the presidential campaign. It's only a matter of time before the Dems propose a government "fuel assistance program". (Human Events Online)
Shakedown to savagery, squalor and shame Jul 5, 2008
It happened days before a 10-year investigation, codenamed Spartacus, led to the sentencing of 12 Casalese clan bosses to a total of more than 700 years' jail. Orsi's execution, the third in less than a month, signalled that the Camorra would not surrender without a fight. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Trumbo shines light on a blacklisted writer Jul 2, 2008
All have a clear reverence for the writer, whose credits included Spartacus, Exodus and Papillon, and who often was forced to write under assumed names as one of the suspected communists known as the Hollywood 10. (He even won a best-story Academy Award for The Brave One as Robert Rich, and famously didnt take the stage to accept the award at the 1957 ceremony. (MSNBC -- Movies)
Rebranding the name Hussein Obama's online backers counter belittling... Jun 30, 2008
Some said they were inspired by movies, including "Spartacus," the 1960 epic about a Roman slave whose peers protect him by calling out "I am Spartacus!" to Roman soldiers, and "In a 1997 comedy about a gay high school teacher whose students protest his firing by proclaiming that they are all gay as well. Miller and her fellow new Husseins are embracing the traditionally Muslim name even as the Obama campaign shies away from Muslim associations. Campaign workers ushered two women in head scarves... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
'Oz,' '2001,' 'Vertigo' among AFI top genre flicks Jun 26, 2008
3 and 8 among epics with "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan" and No. 3 among sci-fi movies with "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." Besides "2001," Stanley Kubrick had the No. 4 sci-fi tale with "A Clockwork Orange" and the No. 5 epic with "Spartacus.". Along with "Raging Bull" in sports, Martin Scorsese was on the gangster list with "Goodfellas" at No. 2. (Carroll County Times)
Dalton Trumbo and American evil Jun 26, 2008
Trumbo also became the first of the Hollywood 10 to break the blacklist, when Otto Preminger hired him to write "Exodus" and Kirk Douglas hired him to write "Spartacus," both made in 1960. If the Hollywood blacklist and the entire Red Scare has become a murky, antique-seeming affair in most people's minds, there are reasons for that. (Salon)
JOAN ALLEN HAS NEW REGARD FOR FINAN... Jun 20, 2008
For whatever reason, this was the first thing being told to me as I entered the Cinema Society thing for "Trumbo," an emotional film about Dalton Trumbo, Oscar-winning screenwriter ("Roman Holiday," "Spartacus") who, during Hollywood's redbaiting Sen. McCarthy period, fell from white knight to blacklisted untouchable. (New York Post -- Gossip)
Naples mafia sentences upheld Jun 20, 2008
The entire trial - named Spartacus - took many years to complete ... "I remind you that first time round the Spartacus case lasted seven years," he added. (BBC News -- Europe)
Camorra get terms they can't refuse Jun 20, 2008
But the anti-Mafia campaigner and author Roberto Saviano warned that while the investigation, known as Spartacus, represented a significant victory for the Italian state, there must be no lowering of the guard before the next chapter - which would explore the Neapolitan Camorra clan's links with politics and the law - was played out. "It is important that attention remains on the Casalesi [family] and what their criminal power has managed to realise throughout all these years. It is imperative... (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Best of 10: AFI releases top-10 genre film lists Jun 19, 2008
" 1989.7. "Adam's Rib," 1949.8. "Moonstruck," 1987.9. "Harold and Maude," 1971.10. "Sleepless in Seattle," 1993.COURTROOM DRAMA1. "To Kill a Mockingbird," 1962.2. "12 Angry Men," 1957.3. "Kramer Vs. Kramer," 1979.4. "The Verdict," 1982.5. "A Few Good Men," 1992.6. "Witness for the Prosecution," 1957.7. "Anatomy of a Murder," 1959.8. "In Cold Blood," 1967.9. "A Cry in the Dark," 1988.10. "Judgment at Nuremberg," 1961.EPIC1. "Lawrence of Arabia," 1962.2. "Ben-Hur," 1959.3. "Schindler's List,"... (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
What has The Wizard of Oz got in common with The Godfather? Jun 19, 2008
Page last updated at 16:23 GMT, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 17:23 UK. Oz and Godfather top movie lists. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Oldies are goldies in top ten list Jun 18, 2008
Besides 2001, Stanley Kubrick had the number four sci-fi tale with A Clockwork Orange and the number five epic with Spartacus. Along with Raging Bull in sports, Martin Scorsese was on the gangster list with Goodfellas at number two. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
They Can't Hide From Us Jun 18, 2008
The duo made their first public appearance together Monday night at the Cinema Society screening of "Trumbo," about blacklisted Hollywood writer Dalton Trumbo, who penned "Spartacus" and "Roman Holiday." "They huddled close together most of the night," said our spy. The pint-size twin and Bartha partied after at Tribeca Cinemas with Josh Lucas, Amy Sacco, Kelly Bensimon and her date Maximiliano Palacio, and new lovebirds Joan Allen and Shawn Diamond, who locked lips on the red carpet. (New York Post -- Gossip)
American Film Institute Releases Top Films Jun 18, 2008
Last Update: 8:36 am. "The Wizard of Oz" has been selected by the AFI as the top fantasy film of all time. (FOX23 News, NY)
AFI picks best films in 10 categories Jun 18, 2008
Epic: "Lawrence of Arabia," "Ben-Hur," "Schindler's List," "Gone With the Wind," "Spartacus," "Titanic," "All Quiet on the Western Front," "Saving Private Ryan," "Reds," "The Ten Commandments.". Movie editor Barbara Vancheri, who was among critics who voted, can be reached at or 412-263-1632. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Be glad these shoes aren't being worn by real gladiators Jun 14, 2008
At least, that's what everyone has thought since the beginning of time -- or since the movie "Spartacus.". But last year, the American Association of Physical Anthropologists -- an organization that doesn't often pop up in fashion circles -- reported that ancient gladiators most likely were barefoot vegetarians. (OregonLive, OR -- Living)
Obama's church of ill will Jun 3, 2008
Read about Spartacus, a white slave who led a Roman uprising ... The best thing about Spartacus: he wasn t sold into slavery by his own people for cheap molasses and rum like your ancestors were ... Chucky, I saw Spartacus, starring Kirk Douglas. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Universal Studios reopens Jun 3, 2008
The set of the 1960 film Spartacus and a block called European Street burned in 1987. The studio, operating since 1915, also had back lot fires in 1967 and 1937, the Los Angeles Times reported. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
'Andromeda' takes a great plot too far May 23, 2008
Unfortunately, adapter Robert Schenkkan, who did an equally shoddy job with USA's Spartacus, uses the book only as a framework on which to load an increasingly incomprehensible mush of power-mad conspirators, environmental activists, stalwart journalists and worm-hole time travel. It would take four more nights just to make sense of the outline. (USA Today -- Life)
1958: Douglas fights for 'Spartacus' May 9, 2008
1958: Douglas fights for 'Spartacus ... Kirk Douglas starred in the title role of 'Spartacus ... GOOD MORNING: Kirk Douglas lost the first round in the battle with Yul Brynner for "Spartacus" title rights, but is determined to win, "even if the two of us have to fight it out," says Douglas. (Variety)
Movie Classic: Spartacus (1960) Apr 12, 2008
Kirk Douglas stars as Spartacus, Universal-International's historical epic recounting a slave revolt in ancient Rome ... The might, the majesty and the terror of ancient Rome was brought to the silver screen in 1960 via Spartacus, a $12 million historical epic starring Kirk Douglas in the title role ... Directed by Stanley Kubrick, Spartacus also featured the talents of Laurence Olivier, Tony Curtis, Jean Simmons, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov, John Gavin, Nina Foch and a cast of thousands. (Suite101.com)
Film buffs flock to Full Frame Apr 6, 2008
Director Peter Askin screened the opening-night film "Trumbo," about blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo ("Spartacus"), on Thursday night. Accompanying him were Christopher Trumbo, the son whose play inspired the movie, and actress Joan Allen, who serves as one of many actors (including Michael Douglas, Liam Neeson and Paul Giamatti) who recite Trumbo's library of letters throughout the film. (News & Observer)
Peter Pan: A Peter you can't help panning Apr 2, 2008
As a gesture of mutinous solidarity it felt a bit like that famous scene in Spartacus, though I regret to report that more craven souls in the stalls succumbed to Peter Pan's entreaties and Tink's life was saved. I think it is fair to say that, if the audience can't be bothered to save Tinker Bell from death, then a production of Peter Pan must be counted a failure, and, boy, does this one tick all the boxes of terminal naffness. (Telegraph.co.uk)
It's still a cross to bear Mar 25, 2008
In 71 BC, a slave rebellion led by the gladiator Spartacus was finally ended when 6,000 prisoners were crucified on a single day along a 27-kilometre stretch of road into Rome. The screams of the victims were said to have haunted the Appian Way for a century. (Toronto Star)
Screen giant lauds PM's vision Mar 17, 2008
On a more personal note, the star of dozens of Hollywood movies including Spartacus recalled a pleasant time "down under" when filming the big screen adaptation of Banjo Paterson's poem The Man From Snowy Riverin 1982. "With your act, my admiration for Australia raises higher and higher," he enthused. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
'Trumbo' to open Full Frame Festival Mar 4, 2008
Doc, based on the play written by Christopher Trumbo, profiles "Spartacus" screenwriter Dalton Trumbo through readings of the famous scribe's letters by Joan Allen, Kirk Douglas, Michael Douglas, Paul Giamatti and Dustin Hoffman, among others. Trumbo was a member of the blacklisted Hollywood 10 and served 10 months in federal prison for contempt of Congress. (Variety)
Combine sillier than 'Survivor' Mar 1, 2008
You half expect these football prospects, clad in modern loincloths, to say, I'm Spartacus. No, I'm Spartacus. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Politicians vie for screener circuit Feb 9, 2008
Lyndon Johnson, predictably, would run any John Wayne movie available while Reagan, the true Hollywood aficionado, kept rerunning "It's a Wonderful Life." JFK favored the big-picture stuff -- "Spartacus" was a hot ticket at his White House -- but he allegedly never ran "PT-109.". Bill Clinton's screening room kept busy, and he especially liked "High Noon," a movie about a tough old guy who couldn't escape his former enemies. (Variety)
Rebooting Hollywood Feb 6, 2008
Indeed, when Spartacus was rereleased in 1991, the studio wanted to insert the deleted seduction "snails and oysters" scene between Tony Curtis and Laurence Olivier. The footage was there, but the sound was not. (Slate)
Year End Review of 2007 (17) Dec 30, 2007
Fredericktown Animal Control Officer Dan Welker (and Spartacus) accepted a donation of flea and tick treatment from Ward s Farm Center. New Era Bank in Fredericktown presented a 1000 scholarship check to Jason Cox. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Top 10 movie moments Dec 22, 2007
Spartacus (Stanley Kubrick, 1960) After the battle, Crassus (Laurence Olivier) promises to spare the rebel slaves' lives if they give up Spartacus (Kirk Douglas). In a stirring response, knowing that they are condemning themselves to death by crucifixion, they each rise with a cry of "I am Spartacus!" One moment's freedom has never tasted so sweet. (CNN -- International)
Top heroes and villians named in movie list Nov 28, 2007
Heroes 1 Indiana Jones 2 Batman 3 Rocky Balboa (Rocky) 4 James Bond 5 Superman 6 Luke Skywalker (Star Wars) 7 Spiderman 8 Neo (The Matrix) 9 Han Solo (Star Wars) 10 The Incredible Hulk/Bruce Banner 11 Donnie Darko 12 Maximus Decimus Meridius (Gladiatior) 13 Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid 14 Jason Bourne (The Bourne Identity) 15 Spartacus 16 Wolverine (X-Men) 17 Samwise Gamgee (Lord of the Rings) 18 George Bailey (It's a Wonderful Life) 19 Philip Marlowe (Murder, My Sweet) 20 Mr Lee (Enter... (NEWS.com.au)
Movie sound tricks Nov 24, 2007
(Legend has it that director Stanley Kubrick was about to reshoot costly scenes of Roman soldiers marching in Spartacus because the armor sound couldn't be heard, when Foley rushed in with a large ring of keys he rattled to make the chink-chink. . (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Celebs feed homeless on Thanksgiving Nov 22, 2007
It was the third year in a row that Douglas, the star of iconic Hollywood classics such as 'Spartacus' and 'Ulysses', has hosted the annual charity event at the downtown shelter and the Anne Douglas Center for Women. Douglas thanked fellow celebrities and public figures such as Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for supporting the event. (iAfrica.com)
Beowulf not epic enough Nov 16, 2007
If Beowulf s line, I am Beowulf, hits exactly the same musical notes as Gerard Butler s reading of This is Spartacus, it s because these filmmakers are brazen. Based on the oft-filmed, 8th century Anglo-Saxon epic, a surprisingly moving account of the life of a great hero, the film, directed by Robert Zemeckis ( The Polar Express, etc. (Boston Herald)
When Not To Stick To The Script Nov 12, 2007
He chose his battles very carefully because he knew that when he fought the battle he was Spartacus, he risked the whole institution. So he was very smart how he led. (Forbes)
Leah Garchik: Stroke survivor Kirk Douglas writes role of lifetime Nov 9, 2007
"), sees his grandchildren, works out with a personal trainer every morning and still meets periodically with a speech therapist. He takes something like a dozen pills a day but won't quite say whether he got help for his depression that way, too. The movie warrior who starred in "Spartacus" and "Champion" is gone, but he's still working, having made several movies since his stroke and right now adding to a collection of his poems. "People talk about old-age retirement. I mean, what would you... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Answers to credit woes are not in black and white Nov 7, 2007
If Dusty, jbm, tftt (and yesterday @@) are racists, then I m Spartacus. By Glenn. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Lowell Dennis Smith, 56; danced with Harlem troupe Nov 5, 2007
Later in his career, Smith choreographed "Pas de Deux for Phrygia and Spartacus," a duet that the Dance Theatre of Harlem premiered in New York City in 2001. He also created works for the company's educational program and helped lead master classes for young students in cities around the United States. (Los Angeles Times)
Elizabeth: the Golden Age Oct 27, 2007
Braveheart, Spartacus). Sadly, the digitally gilded fleets of Cadiz and the truculent lisping of King Phillip are more reminiscent of, say, the Persians in 300 or excruciatingly enough the Trade Federation in Star Wars: Episode One. (Yale Herald, CT)
A clockwork Kubrick Oct 21, 2007
"Warner Directors Series - Stanley Kubrick." The box set includes two-disc editions of "2001," "A Clockwork Orange," "The Shining," "Eyes Wide Shut," a one-disc "Full Metal Jacket," and a documentary about Kubrick, "A Life in Pictures." In addition, Warner is reissuing separately "Lolita" (Kubrick and Nabokov: a marriage made in mandarin heaven) and "Barry Lyndon." Only "Dr. Strangelove" is missing from Kubrick's post-"Spartacus" filmography ... True, there's "Spartacus." But that was really a... (Boston Globe -- Living)
Firstenberg ends productive AFI run Oct 4, 2007
Those lucky enough to have secured a ticket for the sold-out event will get to hear all about the making of such classics as "Spartacus," "The Birds," "Bonnie and Clyde," "Beauty and the Beast," "The Unforgiven," etc. For Bob Gazzale, who also heads up the "AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards" and the "AFI 100 Years" TV specials, the Target-sponsored event at ArcLight has been pretty felicitous to put together. (Variety)
Stars Present Their Films at AFI Bash Oct 4, 2007
Douglas, likewise asked about "Spartacus" (1960), said the film was most memorable for him because screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, who had been on Hollywood's McCarthy-era blacklist, used his real name in the credits ... Andrews was there for "The Sound of Music" (1965), Beatty for "Bonnie and Clyde" (1967), Crystal and Rob Reiner for "When Harry Met Sally ..." (1989), Douglas for "Spartacus" (1960), Eastwood for "Unforgiven" (1992), Tippi Hedren for "The Birds" (1963), Lansbury for "Beauty and the... (Newsmax)
Mr. Eastwood, Ms. Andrews, a few questions ... please? Sep 29, 2007
Kirk Douglas, what's the scoop behind that bathing scene with Laurence Olivier and Tony Curtis in Spartacus. Tippi Hedren, I loved you in The Birds. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
E. Ruiz del Rio, 84, an award-winning movie set decorator Sep 18, 2007
During a career spanning more than 60 years, Mr. Ruiz del Rio worked on more than 450 movies in Europe and the United States, teaming up with directors such as Orson Welles ("Mr. Arkadin," 1955), Stanley Kubrick ("Spartacus," 1960), and George Cukor ("Travels with My Aunt," 1970). He won three Goya awards, the Spanish version of the Oscars, most recently for "Pan's Labyrinth." The film by Mexican director Guillermo del Toro was nominated for six Oscars last year and won three, although none in... (Boston Globe)
AFI marks milestone with stars, films Sep 13, 2007
The 11 titles are "The Sound of Music," whose star Julie Andrews will be on hand for the introduction; "Bonnie and Clyde" (Warren Beatty); "When Harry Met Sally" (Billy Crystal and Rob Reiner); "Spartacus" (Kirk Douglas); "Unforgiven" (Clint Eastwood); "The Shawshank Redemption" (Morgan Freeman); "The Birds" (Tippi Hedren); "Beauty and the Beast" (Angela Lansbury); "Star Wars" (George Lucas); "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (Jack Nicholson); and "Rocky" (Sylvester Stallone). "What better way... (Variety)
40 Celebrated Years 1 Historic Night: TARGET PRESENTS AFI'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY Sep 13, 2007
(1989) Kirk Douglas will present SPARTACUS (1960) Clint Eastwood will present UNFORGIVEN (1992) Morgan Freeman will present THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION (1994) Tippi Hedren will present THE BIRDS (1963) Angela Lansbury will present BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (1991) George Lucas will present STAR WARS -- EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE (1977) Jack Nicholson will present ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST (1975) Sylvester Stallone will present ROCKY (1976). "What better way to celebrate 40 years of AFI than to bring... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Following in Gisele's footsteps Sep 7, 2007
(Kirk's memoir is called "Let's Face It.") The audience at the Harvard Club of Boston prefaced their questions with "I am Spartacus!" Yes, the duo was joined by Michael's ravishing wife, Oscar-winner Catherine Zeta-Jones. Other oldsters at the AARP convention include Brian Dennehy, Bob Newhart, Joan Rivers, and Tony Bennett. (Boston Globe)
Gold Fields Bidder Leaves Twisted Trail From Homeless Shelter to Argentina Sep 1, 2007
Later he sent another e-mail mocking media reports about him and the SEC complaint: ``I am Theodore Roxford, I am Lawrence Niren, I am Elvis, I am Edward Pastorini, I am Spartacus, I am Humpty Dumpty, I am Theodore Vakil. And the hits just keep on coming. (Bloomberg)
Still hope for him Aug 28, 2007
Commentary and opinion. The entry titled "There's still hope for Vick," and any of the comments about it. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
A London 'Bravo!' for the Bolshoi Ballet Aug 17, 2007
Jennings was referring in particular to the productions of "Don Quixote," with Osipova and Vasiliev, and "Spartacus," with the Cuban guest artist Carlos Acosta ... "I was surprised by the level of performance in 'Spartacus' and 'Don Quixote,' " he said at a meeting with dance critics Tuesday night. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
ENO Carmen Mini-Site Aug 5, 2007
English National Opera Brings Audiences Backstage During Production. As part of an experimental project, the English National Opera opens up the behind-the-scenes process of staging an opera through its internet chronicle of Carmen. (Suite101.com)
which action stars Aug 5, 2007
The hero: Spartacus (Kirk ... The movie: Spartacus ... The reason: He is Spartacus. (The Palm Beach Post)
The Razor's Edge Aug 1, 2007
Having ripped through the new releases, I've perused some lesser-known, high-quality work I haven't seen in years, which leads me to ponder: is there a bigger dufuss than someone alone in the wilderness spontaneously proclaiming, 'm Spartacus. Every trip to the video store saw me walk past that darn film. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Stars pay tribute to Mike Reid Jul 30, 2007
"A very, very funny man and a great story-teller. There are certain comedians who do one-liners, you know, which bounce off each other. "But Mike was a story-teller and a great deliverer of great, great jokes," Mr Abbott added. Reid started his career as a standup comedian on London's comedy clubs and on cruise liners. He then took up the career of a stuntman with roles in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and war epic Spartacus. He also acted as a stunt double for Roger Moore in The Saint before... (InTheNews.co.uk)
Ex-EastEnders star Mike Reid dies Jul 30, 2007
" Former stuntman Before entering the comedy scene and winning a place in The Comedians in 1973, Reid began his career as a stuntman. He worked on films including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines and Spartacus. He had also been a stunt double for Roger Moore in The Saint. "I know it's hard to believe - Mike was a lot taller than him, and often used to laugh about it," Mr Hahn said. In the late 1970s Reid went on to host the ITV children's TV quiz show... (BBC News -- UK)
Mike Reid, EastEnders star, dies at 67 Jul 30, 2007
After a spell in Brixton prison he vowed to end his criminal career for the sake of his second wife, Shirley, and children, and embarked on a career in entertainment, gaining small roles in series including Doctor Who and work as a stuntman in films including The Dirty Dozen and Spartacus. His big break as a stand-up comic came in the 70s when he was one of the original members of The Comedians series, where Bernard Manning and Frank Carson also did slots. (Guardian Unlimited)
Film Weekly goes to America - and cries Jul 29, 2007
When Tom Hanks plays opera over the louspeaker to the inmates in "Shawshank Redemption" When the camp commandant takes out his rifle and shoots someone at random, just for the fun of it, in "Schindler's List." When Tony Curtis stands up and says "I'm Spartacus." When we find out exactly what "Sophie's Choice" involves. When Tom Courtenay walks out to face the firing squad to be shot for cowardice in "King and Country" "Mr Chips" (Robert Donat) on his deathbed remembering all the kids he has... (Guardian Unlimited)
